NYS Senate Deputy Leader Says Lawmakers To Limit Time At The Capitol

The New York state legislature has postponed its session until at least Wednesday, in order to figure out how to conduct its business safely under new regulation released by the CDC regarding human density in light of the spreading coronavirus.

Two Assemblymembers have the virus and are recovering. Both the Assembly and Senate say they are working out ways to have members come to the Capitol to vote on legislation, but to also stay safe and help prevent the spread of the illness. One of the ideas is for 10 or so members to come to the chamber to vote, then return to their offices, so the next 10 could come in and cast their votes.

Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, who was at the Capitol, says lawmakers will try to agree on as much as they can remotely, including many items in the state budget, and then come in to vote. But he did not rule out leaving some big ticket times, like legalizing marijuana, for later.

“We’re trying to be incredibly efficient this week, to only come in as necessary,” Gianaris said. “But in that short time do as much as we can to move the state forward.”

Gianaris says a big challenge will be closing a multibillion dollar budget deficit that could grow as the state spends more health care dollars treating those sick with the virus. He did not rule out a proposal on raising taxes on the wealthy to help pay for it.

The public is barred from the Capitol for now for safety reasons, so lobbyists and protest groups cannot come offer their views on the spending plan.

Gianaris says many of the issues have been discussed for months, and the varying positons are already well known. And he says there is always phone and email.

New York lawmakers are set to return to Albany Wednesday for the start of the new legislative session. 109th District Assemblywoman Pat Fahy sat down this morning with WAMC's Capital Region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas for a preview of what’s ahead. The Democrat says she anticipates "a lot of challenges on a host of issues."

Last week, state lawmakers wrapped up the 2019 legislative session and it represented a big change from what New Yorkers have seen in the recent past. Sweeping changes to the state’s law regulating home rental apartments, an impressive expansion in the state’s voting laws, decriminalization of marijuana possession, and other important issues were approved.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have made the joint decision to close all bars and restaurants in the three states to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Governor Andrew Cuomo says all schools in New York State will be closed by Wednesday, and the New York state legislature has postponed its session.

NEW YORK (AP) — Bars and restaurants will become takeout-only and businesses from movie theaters and casinos to gyms and beyond will be shuttered Monday night throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut because of the coronavirus, the states' governors said.